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Writer's pictureJulian Simpson

The Importance of X-Rays in Diagnosing Low Back Pain: What You Need to Know

The Importance of X-Rays in Diagnosing Low Back Pain: What You Need to Know



With nearly 1 in 3 adults waking up today with low back pain, and nearly 80% of adults having low back pain at some point in their life, it can be a worrying condition and you will want to know - how long will the pain last and will it come back?


What is low back pain?


In this blog, we will talk about non-specific low back pain, which is pain not linked to pathology


Low back pain usually contains pain , muscle tension and stiffness. It may have pain radiating down the leg (sciatica)


How long will the pain last- that's the big question. Factors that influence the duration of low back pain are

  • age

  • duration of back pain

  • poor general health

  • psychosocial stress

  • previous history of back pain

  • presence of other conditions

  • smoking

  • anxiety

  • depressive symptoms

  • knee osteoarthritis


Will X-rays help in the diagnosis and predict the likelihood of pain returning?


in 2024, research looked into how X-rays can predict the severity of pain in older adults. They found 3 things that will predict the increased likelihood of pain RETURNING in the low back!


  • If you have morning stiffness for more than 30 minutes

  • Painful spine rotation

  • The presence of multilevel osteophytes - only predicted on xrays


So if you are having long-term pain in the lower back that isn't healing quickly. it may be beneficial to get your chiropractor to take xrays





 


For more information about how we can help. Please call Health Wise Chiropractic 03 9467 7889 or book online to see one of our Chiropractors in Sunbury or Melton/Strathtulloh Today!


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Health Wise Chiropractic Online Health Program via our exclusive app
Health Wise Chiropractic Online Health Program via our exclusive app

Chiropractic has moved online. We offer our online program -STAND CORRECTED- To help you through the day.

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